Abstract: A compact proximity display system and method that employs an image transfer device is provided. The system and method employs an image transfer device, such as a fiber optic device, which enables remotely locating an image generating source from the display assembly that is mounted on, or proximate to, the helmet bubble, thereby reducing the amount of components located proximate to the helmet bubble. The system and method minimize the intrusion of the entire display system into user's viewing area, and increase safety.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for synchronizing data in a mobile platform. In one embodiment, a method for synchronizing data in a mobile platform is provided. The method includes: receiving a first synchronization signal at a first remote interface unit from a signal generator; receiving a second synchronization signal at a second remote interface unit from the signal generator; and executing a synchronization state machine of the first and second remote interface units based on the first and second synchronization signals to synchronize outputs of the first and second remote interface units.

Abstract: A method of deploying a modular space station comprises placing an initial space station module in space in a first deployment, the initial space station module including a first control law and momentum component that provides an initial solution for guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) during the first deployment. A first space station modular segment is joined with the initial space station module in a second deployment to produce a first joint configuration of the space station. A second control law and momentum component provides a second solution for GNC of the first joint configuration during the second deployment. A second space station modular segment is joined to the first joint configuration in a third deployment to produce a second joint configuration of the space station. A third control law and momentum component provides a third solution for GNC of the second joint configuration during the third deployment.

Abstract: A compact proximity display system and method that employs an image transfer device is provided. The system and method employs an image transfer device, such as a fiber optic device, which enables remotely locating an image generating source from the display assembly that is mounted on, or proximate to, the helmet bubble, thereby reducing the amount of components located proximate to the helmet bubble. The system and method minimize the intrusion of the entire display system into user's viewing area, and increase safety.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a momentum platform are provided. For example, a system for opposing torques includes a platform, wherein the platform is transportable to different locations in a zero-gravity environment and a plurality of momentum devices within the platform, wherein the plurality of momentum devices provide controllable angular momentum. The system also includes a torque feedback device, wherein the torque feedback device detects the torques experienced by the platform; a processing unit that controls the angular momentum of the plurality of momentum devices based on the torques detected by the torque feedback device such that the platform remains stable in response to the torques; and a mounting surface on the platform for attaching objects to the platform.

Abstract: A method of deploying a modular space station comprises placing an initial space station module in space in a first deployment, the initial space station module including a first control law and momentum component that provides an initial solution for guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) during the first deployment. A first space station modular segment is joined with the initial space station module in a second deployment to produce a first joint configuration of the space station. A second control law and momentum component provides a second solution for GNC of the first joint configuration during the second deployment. A second space station modular segment is joined to the first joint configuration in a third deployment to produce a second joint configuration of the space station. A third control law and momentum component provides a third solution for GNC of the second joint configuration during the third deployment.

Abstract: Devices systems and methods are provided for providing a deterministic remote interface unit (RIU) based on a finite state machine. The RIU emulator uses a sequence controller that is configured to receive a synchronization input and to execute a fixed list of unconditional commands in an invariable order of execution based solely upon the synchronization input. The RIU emulator also uses pre-defined or pre-certified data structures that are specific to one or more interface devices to successfully execute the at least one unconditional command of the plurality when encountered in the invariable order. As such, peripheral devices may be added, removed or updated without recertification by merely inserting pre-certified data structures into memory or deleting them.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include, but is not limited to, a virtual backplane, a vehicle management computer communicatively coupled to the first virtual backplane and having a first predetermined schedule, a consolidated propulsion controller communicatively coupled to the virtual backplane and having a second predetermined schedule different from the first predetermined schedule, at least one engine communicatively coupled to the first virtual backplane, each of the at least one engines having a unique schedule, and at least one control system communicatively coupled to the first virtual backplane, each of the at least one control systems having a unique schedule, wherein each of the vehicle management computer, consolidated propulsion controller, at least one engines and at least one control system are configured to add and consume date from the virtual backplane according to their respective schedules.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for synchronizing data in a mobile platform. In one embodiment, a method for synchronizing data in a mobile platform is provided. The method includes: receiving a first synchronization signal at a first remote interface unit from a signal generator; receiving a second synchronization signal at a second remote interface unit from the signal generator; and executing a synchronization state machine of the first and second remote interface units based on the first and second synchronization signals to synchronize outputs of the first and second remote interface units.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for a reconfigurable, multi-purpose input/output (I/O) interface. The system comprises a comparator coupled to a means for signal generation. The system further comprises a switch fabric configured to reconfigure the I/O circuit in real time to perform a variety of signal processing, signal generation and built-in-test functions.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include, but is not limited to, a virtual backplane, a vehicle management computer communicatively coupled to the first virtual backplane and having a first predetermined schedule, a consolidated propulsion controller communicatively coupled to the virtual backplane and having a second predetermined schedule different from the first predetermined schedule, at least one engine communicatively coupled to the first virtual backplane, each of the at least one engines having a unique schedule, and at least one control system communicatively coupled to the first virtual backplane, each of the at least one control systems having a unique schedule, wherein each of the vehicle management computer, consolidated propulsion controller, at least one engines and at least one control system are configured to add and consume date from the virtual backplane according to their respective schedules.

Abstract: A node comprises a host computer operable to execute application tasks and to transmit data; a local time-triggered Ethernet switch operable to enforce temporal constraints on time-triggered data; and a time-triggered Ethernet controller coupled to the local time-triggered Ethernet switch and operable to be coupled to a time-triggered Ethernet switch in each of a plurality of other control nodes. The time-triggered Ethernet controller is further operable to communicate with the plurality of other control nodes to synchronize a local clock to establish a global time base and to provide a signal to the host computer for the host computer to synchronize execution of the application tasks by the host computer with the execution of application tasks in each of the plurality of other control nodes.

Abstract: A space telescope system includes, but is not limited to, a support platform configured to orbit astronomical object, a plurality of mirrors mounted to the support platform and spaced apart from one another, the plurality of mirrors being configured to reflect a plurality of focused beams, and a focal plane image combiner positioned to intersect the plurality of focused beams and configured to combine the plurality of focused beams to form a composite image.

Abstract: Systems integrated into a single electronic chip are provided for. The systems include a primary shared bus, a secondary shared bus and an embedded dynamic random access memory (eDRAM) including a first port and a second port. The systems also include a primary processor in operable communication with the eDRAM via the first port; and a secondary processor in operable communication with the eDRAM via the secondary bus and the second port, wherein the primary and secondary processors are operating in synchronization.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a Universal functionality Module (UFM). The apparatus comprises a programmable logic device (PLD) configured to be reprogrammed in real time and a means for universally interfacing the PLD with any effectuator device. The UFM loads a startup personality bit stream from a boot memory, which allows it to read a pin configuration associated with a effectuator device. The UFM receives a function personality associated with the pin configuration, writes the function personality to programmable logic device, and initiates the function personality.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for verifying the integrity of a signal transmitted across a multiple rail data bus. The method and apparatus provide for independently processing a signal by a first processor and a second processor, the first and second processors being connected in parallel thereby generating a first processed signal and a second processed signal. Each of the processed signals is split into a first component sequence and a second component sequence, the first component sequences being different from the second component sequences. It is then determined that the first component sequences are not identical and that the second component sequences are not identical. If either of the first component sequences is not identical, or if either of the second component sequences is not identical, then an error signal is transmitted to a receiving device via a first or second rail of the bus.

Abstract: A cable interface device is provided for physically and electronically connecting two devices. The cable interface device comprises a first pin pickup assembly electrically connectable to a first multi-pin connector of a first electronic device having a first pin geometry. The device also includes a hardware specific signal routing adapter connected electronically and physically in series with the pin pickup assembly and a second pin pickup assembly electrically connectable to a second pin connector of a second electronic device having a second pin geometry, the second pin geometry being electronically and mechanically different from the first pin geometry.

Abstract: A cable interface device is provided for physically and electronically connecting two devices. The cable interface device comprises a first pin pickup assembly electrically connectable to a first multi-pin connector of a first electronic device having a first pin geometry. The device also includes a hardware specific signal routing adapter connected electronically and physically in series with the pin pickup assembly and a second pin pickup assembly electrically connectable to a second pin connector of a second electronic device having a second pin geometry, the second pin geometry being electronically and mechanically different from the first pin geometry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for validating predetermined events in reconfigurable control systems are provided. One method includes receiving, by a plurality of redundant processors operating in a first mode, a notice from two of three redundant sensors that the predetermined event occurred and reconfiguring the plurality of redundant processors to operate in a second mode in response to the notice. Another method includes receiving a first notice that one or more sensors detected that a first vehicle is coupled to a second vehicle at a primary control system and a secondary control system and reconfiguring the primary control system and the secondary control system to operate in another mode at substantially the same time in response to the notice.

Abstract: Reconfigurable virtual backplane systems and methods are provided. One virtual backplane system includes a bus, and first and second line cards coupled to the bus. Each line card includes a processor including a memory storing an array of configuration tables. Each configuration table stores a listing of processes to be transmitted to or received from the communication bus, wherein a first configuration table is selected from the first line card upon the occurrence of a first event and a second configuration table is selected from the second line card upon the occurrence of a second event. One method includes connecting first and second buses in first and second systems, respectively, to form a bus for a new system. The method further includes detecting the connection of the first and second buses, and reconfiguring the first and second systems to operate as the new system in response to detecting the connection.